AbstractsRecreation

Diamond Lake and Upper Rogue River recreation survey, 1961

by James LeRoy Hiatt




Institution: Oregon State University
Department: Natural Resources
Degree: MS
Year: 1964
Keywords: Outdoor recreation  – Oregon  – Diamond Lake
Record ID: 1585451
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/48457


Abstract

Presented in this thesis are the results of a recreation survey which was carried out in the Diamond Lake and upper Rogue River area of Oregon, during the summer of 1961, by use of interview-type questionnaires. A total of 400 questionnaires were completed in the Diamond Lake Campground and Picnic Area and in four campgrounds along the upper Rogue River. The questionnaires were designed to learn as much as possible about recreation use patterns and user opinions, habits, desires, and needs. Three separate questionnaires were used, each differing slightly in the type and number of questions according to the information desired and the area of use. It was found that slightly over half of the persons interviewed were from Oregon. The majority of the remainder were from California. The average distance traveled to reach Diamond Lake was 570 miles. The majority of those interviewed in the campground and picnic area at Diamond Lake came by way of U.S. Highway 97 and State Highway 230. Survey results indicated the average size of groups interviewed was four and one-half persons at the Diamond Lake Campground, four and three-tenths for upper Rogue River campgrounds, and six and two-tenths for the Diamond Lake Picnic Area. Number of persons per group ranged from 1 to 29. Persons using the Diamond Lake Picnic Area stayed an average of only two hours. Those interviewed in the Diamond Lake Campground averaged three and eight-tenths days and those interviewed in campgrounds on the upper Rogue River averaged three and one-half days length of stay. Camping, fishing, sightseeing, and picnicking were the activities listed most often as reasons for visiting the recreation areas, At the Diamond Lake Campground, camping and fishing ranked as the leading activities in terms of time spent. Opinions of visitors were obtained concerning time limits on the Iength of stay in campgrounds. Eighty percent of those questioned in upper Rogue River campgrounds favored the present 14 day limit of stay. At the Diamond Lake Campground, 70 percent were in favor of a proposed 14-day time limit. The majority of users indicated they found the campgrounds and picnic area clean and in good repair. Many persons, however, had suggestions for improvements or additional facilities needed in the recreation areas. Answers to questions concerning a charge for the use of recreation facilities showed that 88 percent of the groups interviewed in the Diamond Lake Campground had no objection. Only 52 percent favored a proposed charge for Rogue River campgrounds and only 46 percent of those interviewed in the Diamond Lake Picnic Area were in favor of a proposed charge there. Diamond Lake and the upper Rogue River have been a favorite outdoor recreation area for many years. The physical factors of location, accessibility, topography, weather and climate, water, vegetation, and fish and game form an attractive and popular recreation base. Developed facilities have enhanced the physical base. In combination, these features…